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TikTok Moves to Further Limit Potential Exposure to Harmful Content Through Automated Removals

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tiktok moves to further limit potential exposure to harmful content through automated removals

TikTok is moving to further empower its automated detection tools for policy violations, with a new process that will see content that it detects as violating its policies on upload removed entirely, ensuring that no one ever sees it.

As TikTok explains, currently, as part of the upload process, all TikTok videos pass through its automated scanning system, which works to identify potential policy violations for further review by a safety team member. A safety team member will then let the user know if a violation has been detected – but at TikTok’s scale, that does leave some room for error, and exposure, before a review is complete.

Now, TikTok’s working to improve this, or at least, ensure that potentially violative material never reaches any viewers.

As explained by TikTok:

“Over the next few weeks, we’ll begin using technology to automatically remove some types of violative content identified upon upload, in addition to removals confirmed by our Safety team. Automation will be reserved for content categories where our technology has the highest degree of accuracy, starting with violations of our policies on minor safety, adult nudity and sexual activities, violent and graphic content, and illegal activities and regulated goods.”

So rather than letting potential violations move through, TikTok’s system will now block them from upload, which could help to limit harmful exposure in the app.

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Which, of course, will see some false positives, leading to some creator angst – but TikTok does note that its detection systems have proven highly accurate.

“We’ve found that the false positive rate for automated removals is 5% and requests to appeal a video’s removal have remained consistent. We hope to continue improving our accuracy over time.”

I mean, 5%, at billions of uploads per day, may still be a significant number in raw figures. But still, the risks of exposure are significant, and it makes sense for TikTok to lean further into automated detection at that error rate.

And there’s also another important benefit:

“In addition to improving the overall experience on TikTok, we hope this update also supports resiliency within our Safety team by reducing the volume of distressing videos moderators view and enabling them to spend more time in highly contextual and nuanced areas, such as bullying and harassment, misinformation, and hateful behavior.”

The toll content moderation can take on staff is significant, as has been documented in several investigations, and any steps that can be taken to reduce such is likely worth it.

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In addition to this, TikTok’s also rolling out a new display for account violations and reports, in order to improve transparency – and ideally, stop users from pushing the limits.

TikTok policy violations

As you can see here, the new system will display violations accrued by each user, while it will also see new warnings displayed in different areas of the app as reminders of the same.

The penalties for such escalate from these initial warnings to full bans, based on repeated issues, while for more serious issues, like child sexual abuse material, TikTok will automatically remove accounts, while it can also block a device outright to prevent future accounts from being created.

These are important measures, especially given TikTok’s young user base. Internal data published by The New York Times last year showed that around a third of TikTok’s user base is 14 years old or under, which means that there’s a significant risk of exposure for youngsters – either as creators or viewers – within the app.

TikTok has already faced various investigations on this front, including temporary bans in some regions due to its content. Last year, TikTok came under scrutiny in Italy after a ten year-old girl died while trying to replicate a viral trend from the app. 

Cases like this underline the need for TikTok, specifically, to implement more measures to protect users from dangerous exposure, and these new tools should help to combat violations, and stop them from ever being seen.

TikTok also notes that 60% of people who have received a first warning for violating its guidelines have not gone on to have a second violation, which is another vote of confidence in the process.

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And while there will be some false positives, the risks far outweigh the potential inconvenience in this respect.

You can read more about TikTok’s new safety updates here

Socialmediatoday.com

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Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?

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Snapchat Explores New Messaging Retention Feature: A Game-Changer or Risky Move?

In a recent announcement, Snapchat revealed a groundbreaking update that challenges its traditional design ethos. The platform is experimenting with an option that allows users to defy the 24-hour auto-delete rule, a feature synonymous with Snapchat’s ephemeral messaging model.

The proposed change aims to introduce a “Never delete” option in messaging retention settings, aligning Snapchat more closely with conventional messaging apps. While this move may blur Snapchat’s distinctive selling point, Snap appears convinced of its necessity.

According to Snap, the decision stems from user feedback and a commitment to innovation based on user needs. The company aims to provide greater flexibility and control over conversations, catering to the preferences of its community.

Currently undergoing trials in select markets, the new feature empowers users to adjust retention settings on a conversation-by-conversation basis. Flexibility remains paramount, with participants able to modify settings within chats and receive in-chat notifications to ensure transparency.

Snapchat underscores that the default auto-delete feature will persist, reinforcing its design philosophy centered on ephemerality. However, with the app gaining traction as a primary messaging platform, the option offers users a means to preserve longer chat histories.

The update marks a pivotal moment for Snapchat, renowned for its disappearing message premise, especially popular among younger demographics. Retaining this focus has been pivotal to Snapchat’s identity, but the shift suggests a broader strategy aimed at diversifying its user base.

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This strategy may appeal particularly to older demographics, potentially extending Snapchat’s relevance as users age. By emulating features of conventional messaging platforms, Snapchat seeks to enhance its appeal and broaden its reach.

Yet, the introduction of message retention poses questions about Snapchat’s uniqueness. While addressing user demands, the risk of diluting Snapchat’s distinctiveness looms large.

As Snapchat ventures into uncharted territory, the outcome of this experiment remains uncertain. Will message retention propel Snapchat to new heights, or will it compromise the platform’s uniqueness?

Only time will tell.

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Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach

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Catering to specific audience boosts your business, says accountant turned coach

While it is tempting to try to appeal to a broad audience, the founder of alcohol-free coaching service Just the Tonic, Sandra Parker, believes the best thing you can do for your business is focus on your niche. Here’s how she did just that.

When running a business, reaching out to as many clients as possible can be tempting. But it also risks making your marketing “too generic,” warns Sandra Parker, the founder of Just The Tonic Coaching.

“From the very start of my business, I knew exactly who I could help and who I couldn’t,” Parker told My Biggest Lessons.

Parker struggled with alcohol dependence as a young professional. Today, her business targets high-achieving individuals who face challenges similar to those she had early in her career.

“I understand their frustrations, I understand their fears, and I understand their coping mechanisms and the stories they’re telling themselves,” Parker said. “Because of that, I’m able to market very effectively, to speak in a language that they understand, and am able to reach them.” 

“I believe that it’s really important that you know exactly who your customer or your client is, and you target them, and you resist the temptation to make your marketing too generic to try and reach everyone,” she explained.

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“If you speak specifically to your target clients, you will reach them, and I believe that’s the way that you’re going to be more successful.

Watch the video for more of Sandra Parker’s biggest lessons.

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Instagram Tests Live-Stream Games to Enhance Engagement

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Instagram Tests Live-Stream Games to Enhance Engagement

Instagram’s testing out some new options to help spice up your live-streams in the app, with some live broadcasters now able to select a game that they can play with viewers in-stream.

As you can see in these example screens, posted by Ahmed Ghanem, some creators now have the option to play either “This or That”, a question and answer prompt that you can share with your viewers, or “Trivia”, to generate more engagement within your IG live-streams.

That could be a simple way to spark more conversation and interaction, which could then lead into further engagement opportunities from your live audience.

Meta’s been exploring more ways to make live-streaming a bigger consideration for IG creators, with a view to live-streams potentially catching on with more users.

That includes the gradual expansion of its “Stars” live-stream donation program, giving more creators in more regions a means to accept donations from live-stream viewers, while back in December, Instagram also added some new options to make it easier to go live using third-party tools via desktop PCs.

Live streaming has been a major shift in China, where shopping live-streams, in particular, have led to massive opportunities for streaming platforms. They haven’t caught on in the same way in Western regions, but as TikTok and YouTube look to push live-stream adoption, there is still a chance that they will become a much bigger element in future.

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Which is why IG is also trying to stay in touch, and add more ways for its creators to engage via streams. Live-stream games is another element within this, which could make this a better community-building, and potentially sales-driving option.

We’ve asked Instagram for more information on this test, and we’ll update this post if/when we hear back.

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